Hello from Houston. Picked up my 2017 V650LT a few days ago after reading many reviews. Love it but, yeah - the seat. Needs replacement or modding quick. Looking around here now to see what others have done...
Hi, just spotted that you live in Houston! I keep my bike at my sons place, also in Houston (The Heights), so maybe we can get out and about sometime? I am flying over from the UK on the 4th July and leaving for Alaska on the 9th.
I noticed that you have done a fair bit of camping - just wondering if you would recommend camping on my trip north or would it be too hot, too many bugs etc!!! Any advice most welcome!
Sounds good about doing a ride together. I'm about 15 miles NNE of the Heights - you passed within shouting range of me on your way to/from Lufkin. I'll PM you my phone number.
The heat in Houston is of the worst kind and you'll be here at our hottest. I don't envy that aspect of your trip. I grew up here and am still affected by it. Despite the fact that you'll be going north (or northwest), it will remain hot that time of year even once you're well out of TX. I see that others have recommended a high elevation route for that reason. If feasible, it's good advice and is why we Texans think of Colorado as one of our own northern counties.
You'll probably have days that'll call for a hotel for the night, other days (in CO and Cali) will be fine for camping. If you do decide to camp in CO I have an almost-new and unused can of UDAP bear spray I'll give you from my TAT trip.
John
UPDATE: Well I guess one can't send private messages here...?
...I noticed that you have done a fair bit of camping - just wondering if you would recommend camping on my trip north or would it be too hot, too many bugs etc!!! Any advice most welcome!
I see you have a Submarine as you avatar. What boats did you serve on. I was on the Oklahoma City, Boise and the Columbus. Retired in 2010 after 22 years of service.
Small world! I was on USS Barb (SSN-596) homeported in San Diego 1985-89, then back to Groton to teach ET A school. Did 10 years total, now looking forward to retirement from FAA (radar). Fun times. Avatar is of a port visit to Adak AK.
Thanks - I'm making a trip to Lowes Saturday foe this project. Other than that small and correctable issue, I love the bike. Still only 360 miles on it after 5 days but that'll change soon too.
I did the same as posted above, but I only raised mine about 1/2 an inch with a flat piece of steel, longer bolts, and some washers/spacers and it made the seat MUCH more comfortable. It doesn't push me forward and relives a lot of the pressure on my tailbone. I'd take a picture, but I'm away from home for work for a while.
I did that yesterday and am surprised at the difference that such a small amount of lift makes (that's what she said). Much more comfortable now and dirt cheap too. Thanks for the suggestion.
You're welcome. As you use the Forum you will be amazed at how many 'inmates' spend a BUNCH of $ for a new seat w/out trying the $2 solution. Escapes me WHY....
I just picked up a 2017 as well, but I'm surprised you're already looking to replace the seat - maybe it's because I've ridden super sports for the last 12 years, but the V650 has one of the most comfortable stock seats I've ever ridden on.
I just put 3000+ miles on my 2016 v650 went north was suppose to have been longer but has some issues and had to return to florida yuk hate the heat. Near the end of the ride my butt was killing me, going to get one of the air pillows for the seat. Going north took 3 days camping didn't bother me stopped for butt and cig butt every 90 miles. Coming back did 1500+ in straight 26 hrs with all the breaks butt was killing me. All in all if you do 300 miles a day seat is fine.
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